Work

I currently work as a post-doctoral research assistant here at the School of Computing. I defended my PhD in the summer of 2008, which looked at soundscape mapping and design. My time is spent working on a number of varied and interesting projects, and I also co-supervise BSc and MSc final year projects as well as giving the odd lecture or two.

Prior to all of this, I graduated with a BA (Honours) degree in accounting from the University of Abertay Dundee back in 1998, with a 2:1 classification. I spent the next few years working within the field of accountancy before returning to academia and completing an MSc in Applied Computing here in Dundee back in 2003.

Research

My primary interests can be summarised as investigating the appropriate design of sound for interactive technologies. In particular, I am interested in the challenges involved (and the opportunities that can arise) in attempting to gather requirements and to conceptualise ideas for using sound-producing technologies within particular contexts. This covers areas such as traditional HCI, interaction design, auditory display, acoustic ecology, critical design, semiotics, computer games, phenomenology and much, much more. My PhD thesis touches upon some of these issues in more detail (and, hopefully, far more lucidly!).

I have also been involved in a wide range of really interesting projects within the school.

Rest and Play

I play keyboards, although not particularly well. I enjoy putting together a few mashups for fun, when I have the time, and upload my better efforts to my YouTube account.

I also enjoy cycling and walking to keep myself fit, although the ratio of fatty foods to exercise is currently in favour of the former at the moment!

I am a huge football fan, and follow the Scottish national side when I can.